Sorry, I feel like I keep spamming posts, guys. Should be my last for a little while. So: I'm looking at converting the truck from 2wd to 4wd. Yes, yes, it's an undertaking. And yes, I know the general consensus is that you really ought to have just bought a 4x4. Well boys, I bought this truck for $600. I feel justified in getting it for super cheap and just converting it. I feel it would have been more expensive and taken much longer to hunt for the 4x4. I'm not going to find another truck at that price so I may as well just convert this one.

If I do this, I'm thinking I'm probably going to swap in a 2.5 ton Rockwell. That's what would be going in back if I swap axles, so this way the gear ratio is identical. Plus it's plenty meaty for whatever I need. Steering axles aren't cheap but I have a line on a cheap rear. Part of the reason I am planning on the Rockwells is because you can throw Detroit lockers in them. I hear very good things about them and would like to keep the utility of a locker around.

I'm not totally set on the Rockwells, but riddle me this: what other axle is big enough and strong enough for a 2 ton, and still able to lock if needed? A Dana 60 feels too small. I could be wrong on that but I'd rather not bet on my 1 ton axle vs the mass of my 2 ton truck. Any suggestions are welcome. As I said, steering axles are not cheap, so I'm open to other options.

My other main worry is how I'm going to link up the steering. The rest of this process I've got a pretty good idea of but I don't know much about how front end links up and what I would need to change. Any wisdom there is appreciated.

Thanks so much guys. And thanks for putting up with my stupid questions.

 

Ah, and my other question: what transfer case would you guys use? Thinking of buying a newer salvaged 4x4 super duty and ripping out all the internals: engine, cooling system, transfer case, etc. Can I turn a married transfer case into a divorced one? My understanding is as long as it's a divorced transfer case I can use any transmission I want to. Is this correct?

 

It would help if you mentioned what vehicle you’re talking about converting.

 

1976 F700. Sorry, I thought I included that. I see now that I did not.
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A divorced case will let you keep your parking brake if you have juice brakes. Have you considered Rockwell deuce and a half axles? Old tech but would be the easiest swap.

 

Yes, I'm considering two types of the Rockwell axles, deuce and a half included in that. Thanks for the info

 

05+ f450 and f550 superduty axles are a good swap, or just a complete chassis swap. they have pretty high ratings, 16k or so gvwr, so if your not planning on maxing out the truck they would be fine. Modern easy to find parts, wide front track width, and multiple gear ratios are all a plus.